Land Transportation Office (LTO) Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II directed all Regional Directors and other agency officials to prepare the necessary road safety plans in assisting thousands of motorists who are expected to hit the road for the Holy Week.
Millions of Filipinos will again travel to their respective provinces to take advantage of the long holiday break for religious activity, vacation and bonding with friends and families next week.
“My instruction is more on proactive measures through visibility in major thoroughfares for assistance and law enforcement, and the conduct of random and surprise inspections on bus terminals to ensure the road worthiness of passenger buses,” said Asec Mendoza.
“Kailangan din natin matiyak ang mental and physical readiness ng mga driver at konduktor kaya kung kinakailangang magsagawa ng random and surprise drug testing ay gagawin natin,” he added.
Asec Mendoza explained that the move is in line with the instruction of DOTR Secretary Vince Dizon to ensure the safety of all road users, especially with the expected long travels for the Holy Week.
Authorities are expecting the Holy Week exodus to begin by April 16 but Asec Mendoza said the visibility of LTO personnel should begin as early as this weekend as some travelers may have already filed a vacation leave and would start their travel.
Aside from bus terminals and major thoroughfares, Asec Mendoza said LTO personnel will also be present on the roads leading to the seaports and airports in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
“Part of my instruction is to coordinate with the local government units in order for us to also help in their Holy Week security plan. Kailangang isang kumpas tayong lahat para maayos ang latag ng seguridad at safety measures,” said Asec Mendoza.
Asec Mendoza also urged motorists to ensure the road worthiness of their motor vehicles in order to avoid unnecessary inconvenience along the road, or any accident, especially that almost all of them would be traveling with their families.
From the engine, tire pressure and other vehicle mechanicals to the readiness of the assigned driver, Asec Mendoza said the safety check must be well-covered.
“At ang lagi po nating bilin, magbaon ng pasensya dahil asahan natin ang traffic. HIndi makakatulong ang galit o road rage sa ating nakaplanong maayos na biyahe,” said Asec Mendoza.
